Smart and Spineless: Exploring Invertebrate Intelligence

Gr 6 Up—Invertebrates of all stripes are given fully researched attention here. Downer examines the intelligence of a variety of animals: worms, slime molds, bees, spiders, ants, shrimp, and jellyfish. This slim volume is superficially deceptive: though crowded with full-color photographs, drawings, charts and side boxes, it's intended for an older audience than it would seem at first glance. However, the text is still accessible. The importance of scientific experiments and data is emphasized. Readers will discover that bees can learn to associate an abstract symbol with a sweet-tasting reward or a bitter-tasting punishment. Charles Darwin realized that earthworms were expert soil engineers with the ability to navigate their world through trial and error. Animal behaviorists believe that octopuses have personalities. The female tarantula hawk wasp can analyze surroundings and compare size and volume when hunting her prey. Extensive back matter makes this title perfect for research.